Dino Grandi - Then and Now

Dino Grandi is an entertainer. He sings and plays accordion and piano. I would say he is one of Toronto's treasures.

I had the pleasure (and honour) of being invited to play (sax) at Dino's special birthday last weekend.
My friend, John Dowson (aka "Johnny James"), was also there.

Now, Johnny and Dino go waaay back...

1958: St Joe Indiana - John Dowson (Johnny James) and Dino

Here are some photos that Johnny has been saving for all these years... from times when he and Dino played in the same band with Tommy Danton on Toronto's Yonge Street as well as many other places - this would be back in the late 50's.

The guys in the band at that time would be: Tommy Danton (singer, cocktail drums), Johnny James (bass), Dino Grandi (accordion), Ed Philp (sax)

1958 Cicero Illinois - Ed, Dino, Tommy, Johnny

1958 Decater, Illinois - Ed, Tommy, Johnny, Dino

1958: Chicago Illinois - Johnny James and Ed Philp

1958: Chicago - Dino and Ed Philp

1958 St. Joe, Indiana - Ed, Dino, Johnny, Tommy

1958 Indiana - Dino and Ed Philp

Dino and Susan Cook

1958 Chicago - Johnny James

Bal Tabiran Quebec City 1958

Chicago Illinois - Dino and Johnny (wearing crazy nose, etc.)

Miss Illinois with Johnny and Dino

!958 London & Hull

Carol Lee Hull 1958

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Dino Now...

Dino at his big birthday bash

Dino, the consummate Entertainer - what a treasure !

Happy Birthday, Dino!

Frank Calucci, Oscar Kay, Dino

Here's a video taken last Sunday afternoon. Dino came to Mastro's Italian Ristorante, assuming he was to do a gig, but SURPRISE - the "gig" was a big birthday party put on by one of his dear friends, Audrey.

Well, it didn't take much to get Dino up there to be part of the band that was assembled for the occasion. We all shook hands and played.